Fluid connector for endoscope reprocessing system

ABSTRACT

Coupling arrangements and connectors for establishing a substantially fluid-tight removable connection between a fluid port in a medical device such as an endoscope. Various embodiments of the connectors may be coupled to a fluid conduit that may be attached to a decontamination or reprocessing device used to flow fluid through corresponding channels in the medical device during the decontamination process.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Stage entry of International ApplicationNo. PCT/US2009/059525, entitled FLUID CONNECTOR FOR ENDOSCOPEREPROCESSING SYSTEM, filed on Oct. 5, 2009, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/196,713, entitled FLUIDCONNECTOR FOR ENDOSCOPE REPROCESSING SYSTEM, filed on Oct. 13, 2008.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to connectors and, moreparticularly, to fluid connectors used in connection with reprocessingor decontamination systems for medical devices having one or moreinternal passageways that need to be cleaned and disinfected after usesuch as, for example, endoscopes.

BACKGROUND

In various circumstances, an endoscope can include an elongate portion,or tube, having a distal end which can be configured to be inserted intothe body of a patient and, in addition, a plurality of channelsextending through the elongate portion which can be configured to directwater, air, and/or any other suitable fluid into a surgical site. Insome circumstances, one or more channels in an endoscope can beconfigured to guide a surgical instrument into the surgical site. In anyevent, an endoscope can further include a proximal end having inlets influid communication with the channels and, in addition, a control headsection having one or more valves, and/or switches, configured tocontrol the flow of fluid through the channels. In at least onecircumstance, an endoscope can include an air channel, a water channel,and one or more valves within the control head configured to control theflow of air and water through the channels.

Decontamination systems can be used to reprocess previously-used medicaldevices, such as endoscopes, for example, such that the devices can beused once again. During the decontamination process of an endoscope, theair and water channels within the endoscope can be evaluated in order toverify that the channels are unobstructed. A variety of decontaminationsystems exist for reprocessing endoscopes. In general, such systems mayinclude at least one rinsing basin, in which an endoscope that is to becleaned and/or disinfected can be placed. The basin is commonlysupported by a housing that supports a system of lines, pumps and valvesfor the purpose of feeding a cleaning and/or disinfecting agent to anendoscope which has been placed in a rinsing basin. Such devices alsoinclude a collection of lines, hoses, conduits or pipes that are coupledto the pumps and corresponding ports in the endoscope by releasableconnectors. Such connectors must achieve a fluid-tight seal whileattached to the endoscope, yet be easily releasable at the conclusion ofthe process. If the connector fails to achieve a fluid-tight seal, allof the endoscopes scope's lumens may never receive the disinfectingliquid medium to ensure that the inner surfaces of the lumen have beenadequately disinfected.

While a variety of disconnectable fluid connectors have been designedover the years to couple the fluid-supplying lines from a reprocessingsystem to an endoscope lumen port, such connectors at times may notachieve a fluid-tight seal with the port or such connectors may bedifficult to connect and detach from the port or ports. Other connectorsare somewhat complex and may be difficult to manufacture and may easilybe inadvertently disconnected from their respective ports on theendoscope.

Accordingly, there is a need for disconnectable connector for couplingfluid supply conduits to corresponding port or ports of an endoscopethat may address some of the shortcomings of prior connectors.

The foregoing discussion is intended only to illustrate some of theshortcomings present in the field of the invention at the time, andshould not be taken as a disavowal of claim scope.

SUMMARY

In at least one form of the invention, there is provided a connector forcoupling a fluid conduit to an elongate fluid coupling member protrudingfrom an endoscope. In various embodiments, the connector comprises aconnector body that has an end wall and a bushing-receiving cavitytherein. The end wall has a coupling opening therethrough sized toenable a portion of the elongate fluid coupling member to protrudetherethrough. A flexible bushing may be received within thebushing-receiving cavity. The bushing may have a passage therethrough toenable at least a portion of the elongate fluid coupling member to beinserted therein. The flexible bushing may be sized relative to thebushing-receiving cavity to permit the bushing to flex therein about atleast one attachment feature formed on the portion of the elongate fluidcoupling member when the portion of the elongate fluid coupling memberis inserted into the passage in the flexible bushing. The flexiblebushing may further have at least one seal feature protruding from aportion of the bushing to establish another substantially fluid-tightseal between the bushing and the connector body.

In connection with other general aspects of various embodiments of thepresent invention, there is provided a coupling arrangement forconveying a fluid from a reprocessing device through a channel in anendoscope. In various embodiments, the coupling arrangement may comprisean elongate fluid coupling member that protrudes from the endoscope andis in fluid communication with the channel therein. The elongate fluidcoupling member may have at least one retention feature protrudingtherefrom. The coupling arrangement may further include a fluid conduitthat has a supply end that operably communicates with a source of fluidthat is associated with the reprocessing device. The fluid conduit mayfurther include a discharge end that is attached to a connector body. Invarious embodiments, the connector body may have an end wall and a sidewall that protrudes from the end wall to define a cavity therein. Acoupling opening may be provided through the end wall such that at leasta portion of the elongate fluid coupling member may pass therethrough. Abushing may be received within the cavity. The bushing may have apassage therethrough that is sized to receive a portion of the elongatefluid coupling member therein such that the elongate fluid couplingmember is removably retained within the bushing and a firstsubstantially fluid-tight seal is established therebetween. The bushingmay have at least one seal feature thereon for establishing a secondsubstantially fluid-tight seal between the connector body and thebushing.

In connection with another general aspect of the present invention,there is provided a coupling arrangement for conveying a fluid from areprocessing device through a channel in an endoscope. Variousembodiments of the coupling arrangement may comprise an elongate fluidcoupling member that protrudes from the endoscope and is in fluidcommunication with a channel therein. The elongate fluid coupling membermay have a cylindrical body portion with an eccentric retention flangeformed thereon. The coupling arrangement may further include a fluidconduit that has a supply end that operably communicates with a sourceof fluid that is associated with the reprocessing device. The fluidconduit may further have a discharge end that is coupled to a connectorbody. In various embodiments, the relative terms ‘supply end’ and‘discharge end’ of the fluid conduit can refer to the ends of the fluidconduit in which fluid is supplied to and discharged from the fluidconduit, respectively, under the typical operating conditions of areprocessing device. It certain circumstances, though, it is to beunderstood that the flow of fluid can be reversed through the fluidconduit and, in such circumstances, the relative terms ‘supply end’ and‘discharge end’ become, for the sake of convenience, general referenceterms as such reference terms would no longer correctly indicate thedirection in which the fluid is flowing through the fluid conduit. Inany event, a bushing seat may be seated within the connector body. Thebushing seat may have a body portion and a flanged end. The body portionmay have a bushing receiving passage therethrough. A flexible bushingmay be received within the cavity. The bushing may have a passagetherethrough that is sized to receive the body portion of the elongatefluid coupling member therein such that the body portion of the elongatefluid coupling member is removably retained within the bushing memberand a first substantially fluid-tight seal is established therebetween.A seal is provided for establishing a second substantially fluid-tightseal between the bushing seat and the bushing.

This Summary is intended to briefly outline certain embodiments of thesubject invention. It should be understood that the subject applicationis not limited to the embodiments disclosed in this Summary, and isintended to cover modifications that are within its spirit and scope, asdefined by the claims. It should be further understood that this Summaryshould not be read or construed in a manner that will act to narrow thescope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention,and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and theinvention itself will be better understood by reference to the followingdescription of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the cross-sectional depiction of FIG.11;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a decontamination apparatus;

FIG. 3 is an elevational depiction of an endoscope, showing variouschannels lumens and passageways therein;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a decontamination system thatmay be employed in connection with various embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a coupling arrangement and elongatefluid coupling member of various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a partial side view of an elongate fluid coupling member of anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an end view of the elongate fluid coupling member of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the coupling arrangementdepicted in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a side view of a connector embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 9 with abushing embodiment of the present invention seated therein;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIGS. 9 and 10with the elongate fluid coupling member of FIGS. 6 and 7 insertedtherein;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative connector embodimentof the present invention; and

FIG. 13 is another cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 12 withan elongate fluid coupling inserted therein.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplifications set out hereinillustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, in one form, and suchexemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of theinvention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following U.S. patent applications, which are each hereinincorporated by reference and which are each being contemporaneouslyfiled with the present application are commonly owned by the Assignee ofthe present application:

(1) U.S. patent application entitled Quick Disconnect Fluid Connector,Ser. No. 13/089,107; and

(2) U.S. patent application entitled Endoscope Channel Separator, Ser.No. 13/089,106.

Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide anoverall understanding of the principles of the structure, function,manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One ormore examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that thedevices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and thatthe scope of the various embodiments of the present invention is definedsolely by the claims. The features illustrated or described inconnection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with thefeatures of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations areintended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

One embodiment of a decontamination apparatus is depicted in FIG. 2which may be configured for decontaminating endoscopes and/or othermedical devices. A variety of different systems and devices fordecontaminating and reprocessing medical devices such as, for example,endoscopes are known in the art. Accordingly, the scope of protectionafforded to the various connector arrangements of the present inventionshould not be limited to a particular processor or decontaminationapparatus configuration.

In various arrangements, the decontamination apparatus can generallyinclude one or more stations for decontaminating a medical device. In atleast one arrangement, the decontamination apparatus can include a firststation 10 and a second station 12 which can be at least substantiallysimilar in all respects to provide for the decontamination of a medicaldevice in series or two different medical devices simultaneously. In atleast one arrangement, first and second decontamination basins, orchambers, 14 a, 14 b can receive the contaminated devices, wherein eachchamber 14 a, 14 b can be selectively sealed by a lid 16 a, 16 b,respectively, preferably in a microbe-blocking relationship to preventthe entrance of microbes into the chambers 14 a, 14 b during theoperation of the decontamination apparatus. In various arrangements, thelids can include a microbe removal or HEPA air filter, for example, forproviding a flow of vented air therethrough.

A control system 20 can include one or more microcontrollers, such as aprogrammable logic controller (PLC), for example, for controlling theoperation of the decontamination apparatus. Although one control system20 is shown herein as controlling both decontamination stations 10, 12,each station 10, 12 can include a dedicated control system. In variousarrangements, the decontamination apparatus can further include at leastone visual display 22 configured to display decontamination parametersand machine conditions to an operator and, in addition, at least oneprinter 24 configured to print a hard copy output of the decontaminationparameters which can be filed in a record-keeping system and/or attachedto the decontaminated device or its storage packaging. In at least onearrangement, for example, the visual display 22 can be combined with atouch screen input device to facilitate the use of control system 20. Invarious arrangements, a keypad or the like can be provided for the inputof decontamination process parameters and otherwise controlling thedecontamination apparatus. Gauges, such as gauges 26, for example, caninclude pressure meters and/or any other suitable measuring device whichcan provide digital and/or analog output of decontamination or medicaldevice leak testing data. Various leak testing devices and methods aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,986,736, entitled AUTOMATED ENDOSCOPEREPROCESSOR CONNECTION INTEGRITY TESTING, which issued on Jan. 17, 2006,the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by referenceherein.

In various embodiments, referring to FIG. 3, an endoscope, such asendoscope 21, for example, can include elongate portion, or insertiontube 25 which can be configured to be inserted into the body of apatient through a trocar, for example. In at least one embodiment,endoscope 21 can further include proximal portion, or light guidesection, 26, control head section 23, and one or more channels, orlines, for conveying a fluid. More particularly, an endoscope caninclude one or more channels extending therethrough which can beconfigured to convey a fluid, such as water, air, and/or carbon dioxide,for example, into a surgical site. As used herein, the term “fluid” maycomprise liquid materials such as water, decontamination andsterilization liquids, etc., as well as materials in a vapor or gaseousstate, such as, for example, air, carbon dioxide and various othergases. As used herein, the term “in fluid communication” means that afluid-carrying or fluid-transporting member (e.g., pipe, hose, conduit,channel, etc.) is coupled to another fluid-carrying orfluid-transporting member so as to permit the fluid to flow or otherwisemigrate from one member to the other.

Referring to FIG. 3, endoscope 21 can include a first channel 1 which isin fluid communication with a lumen 162 in a fluid coupling member 160that may, for example, protrude from proximal end 26. Channel 1 mayextend, for example, through at least a portion of control head section23 and elongate portion 25, and to an outlet at distal end 34. Invarious embodiments, channel 1 can be configured to convey air to thesurgical site, for example. Endoscope 21 can also include second channel2 which can be configured to convey water from an inlet at proximal end26, for example, through at least a portion of control head section 23and elongate portion 25, and to an outlet at distal end 34. An endoscope21 can further include additional channels, such as channel 4, forexample, which can be configured to provide a vacuum, or suction, to asurgical site. An endoscope 21 can also include channel 6 for providingcarbon dioxide. In at least one embodiment, an endoscope 21 can furtherinclude biopsy channel 3, for example, which can be configured toreceive a surgical instrument therein such that the surgical instrumentcan be guided into the surgical site through the endoscope. In someembodiments, an endoscope 21 can further include a channel, such aschannel 5, for example, which can be configured to convey ahighly-pressurized jet of water that is discharged from distal end 34.In at least one embodiment, proximal end 26 can further include leaktest connector 7 which can be configured to introduce a pressurizedfluid and/or vacuum into the endoscope in order to inspect for leaksbetween the channels, for example.

In various embodiments, still referring to FIG. 3, control head section23 can include valve chamber 32 which can be configured to receive avalve element therein such that the valve element can control the flowof carbon dioxide, for example, through the endoscope. In at least oneembodiment, the valve element can comprise a stopcock, for example,which can be configured to allow carbon dioxide to flow through channel6 when the stopcock is in a first, or open, position and prevent, or atleast substantially prevent, the flow of carbon dioxide through channel6 to distal end 34 when the stopcock is rotated into a second, orclosed, position. Similarly, in various embodiments, control headsection 23 can include valve chamber 30 which can be configured toreceive a valve element therein which can be configured to controlwhether vacuum, or suction, can be communicated to distal end 34 throughchannel 4. In various embodiments, as discussed in greater detail below,control head section 23 can include a valve chamber, such as valvechamber 27, for example, comprising a first portion 28 in fluidcommunication with channel 1 and, in addition, a second portion 29 influid communication with channel 2. For the purposes of thisapplication, any number of valves, channels, and/or any other suitabledevices can be deemed to be in fluid communication with each other if afluid can flow between the devices whether by pressure differential,gravity feed, and/or any other suitable manner.

In various embodiments, valve chamber 27 can be configured to receive avalve element having a seal configured to sealingly separate valvechamber 27 into portions 28 and 29. In at least one embodiment, the sealcan be configured such that air flowing through channel 1 does not flowinto, or at least substantially flow into, second portion 29, forexample. Similarly, the seal can also be configured such that waterflowing through channel 2 does not flow into, or at least substantiallyflow into, first portion 28. In various embodiments, although notillustrated, such a valve element can assist in sealingly separating twoor more channels such that fluids flowing therethrough can be dischargedfrom separate orifices in the distal end of an endoscope. In at leastone alternative embodiment, referring to FIG. 3, channels 1 and 2 can beplaced in fluid communication with one another at a location, such aslocation 33, for example, which is downstream from valve chamber 27 suchthat the air and water flowing through channels 1 and 2, respectively,can be discharged from the endoscope through a common orifice.

After an endoscope has been used, it can be reprocessed such that it canbe used once again. In various circumstances, a decontaminationapparatus, such as those described above, for example, can be utilizedto decontaminate the endoscope and/or evaluate whether the endoscope hasbeen properly decontaminated. In at least one circumstance, water,sterilant, and/or any other suitable fluid, can be flushed through oneor more of the channels of the endoscope to remove debris, and/or anyother foreign matter, which may have entered into the channels. Invarious embodiments, referring to FIG. 4, decontamination system 40 caninclude basin 14 which can be configured to receive at least a portionof an endoscope therein and, in addition, tube 42 which can, in at leastone embodiment, be configured to receive at least a portion of, or be influid communication with, elongate portion 25 of the endoscope. In atleast one embodiment, decontamination system 40 can further includecirculation pump 43 which can be configured to circulate fluid frombasin 14, for example, through endoscope 21 and/or tube 42, and intoline 35. In certain embodiments, pump 43 can also be configured to pushthe fluid through heater 45 and into line 46 such that the fluid can becirculated back into basin 14, for example. In various embodiments,decontamination system 40 can further include valve 47 a which can beconfigured to divert at least a portion of the fluid flowing within line35 through the channels of the endoscope. More particularly, in at leastone embodiment, decontamination system 40 can include six fluidconnectors 41 which can be configured to receive fluid from line 35,wherein each of the six connectors 41 can be placed in fluidcommunication with one of the six channels of the endoscope, i.e.,channels 1-6, for example, such that fluid, air, gas, etc. can flowtherethrough.

Before, during, and/or after the endoscope has been subjected to adecontamination process, for example, the channels of the endoscope canbe evaluated to determine whether debris, or any other foreignsubstance, remains in the channels. In various embodiments, referring toFIG. 4, a channel pump 4 a associated with channel 4, for example, canbe activated to motivate fluid through channel 4. In at least one suchembodiment, a sensor, such as sensor 39, for example, can be configuredto measure the flow rate of the fluid flowing through channel 4, whereinthe flow rate measured by the sensor can be compared to an expected, orpredicted, flow rate which represents the flow rate of the fluid whenthe channel is unobstructed. In various embodiments, the predicted flowrate through channel 4, for example, can be calculated in view of theparameters of channel pump 4 a, the diameter, length, and/or variousother properties of channel 4, and/or other features of thedecontamination system. The predicted flow rate can also be empiricallydetermined. In either event, in the event that the measured flow ratematches, or at least substantially matches, the expected flow rate, oris within a range of flow rates, for a given channel, thedecontamination apparatus can convey to the operator that the existenceof debris or a foreign substance within the channel is unlikely. Incertain embodiments, sensors 39 can include pressure sensors which canbe configured to detect the pressure of the fluid flowing through one ormore channels. In the event that such a sensor 39 detects a fluidpressure that is above and/or below an expected pressure, or range orpressures, the decontamination apparatus can communicate to the operatorthat a foreign substance is present or that the endoscope, for example,is defective in some manner. In at least one such embodiment, thepressure sensors can, as a result, indirectly measure the rate of thefluid flowing through the channels.

In various embodiments, the measured flow rate and/or pressure of afluid flowing through an endoscope channel does not have to exactlymatch the expected flow rate and/or pressure. In at least oneembodiment, a channel can be deemed unobstructed if the measured flowrate is within an acceptable range relative to the expected flow rate,for example. In the event that the measured flow rate is not within theacceptable range, the decontamination apparatus can convey to theoperator that the channel may be obstructed and that furtherinvestigation may be warranted. By way of example, if debris, or otherforeign mater, is present within the channel, the debris may retard orreduce the flow rate of the fluid through the channel and thedecontamination apparatus. Correspondingly, the debris or foreign mattermay cause the pressure of the fluid to increase. In order to assist theoperator in diagnosing the problem, the control system of thedecontamination apparatus can convey information to the operatorincluding which channel is being tested, the measured flow rate and/orpressure, and/or the percentage by which the measured value is differentthan the predicted value. In certain embodiments, a sensor can beconfigured to generate a series of signal pulses which correspond to theamount, or rate, of fluid flowing through a channel. For example, asensor can generate signal pulses at a slower rate when the flow offluid through or by the sensor is slower and, correspondingly, thesensor can generate signal pulses at a higher rate when the flow offluid through or by the sensor is faster. In some circumstances, therate in which the sensor produces signal pulses can be directlyproportional to the rate in which the fluid is flowing through thechannel. In at least one such embodiment, the decontamination apparatuscan be configured to receive such signal pulses and, in view of suchinformation, determine whether the fluid flow is appropriate.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 3 and 5-11, there is shown a couplingarrangement generally designated as 100 for conveying a fluid such as,for example, air from the decontamination device 40 to an elongate fluidcoupling member 160 that protrudes from the proximal end 26 of theendoscope 21 and which is in fluid communication with channel 1 therein.See FIG. 3. As can be most particularly seen in FIGS. 5-7, the elongatefluid coupling member 160 has a lumen or passage 162 therethrough thatis adapted to communicate with channel 1 within the endoscope 21. Invarious embodiments, the elongate fluid coupling member 160 may befabricated from any suitable material, such as stainless steel 316, forexample, and can be attached to the proximal end 26 of the endoscope 21by various known fastener arrangements. As can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7,the elongate fluid coupling member 160 may have a cylindrical bodyportion 164 and a discharge end 166. In various embodiments, thecylindrical body portion may have substantially circular cross-sectionalshape. See FIG. 7. The discharge end 166 may be tapered orfrusto-conical in shape to facilitate insertion and alignment of thecoupling member 160 within connector 110 in the manner described infurther detail below.

As can also be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the elongate fluid coupling member160 may be further provided with at least one retention feature, such asretention feature 170, for example, that protrudes from the body portion164. In certain embodiments, a retention feature can comprise at leastone enlarged portion and/or at least one enlarged diameter which islarger than body portion 164, for example, and which extends along thelength of body portion 164. In various embodiments, retention feature170 may comprise a retention flange 172. In some embodiments, forexample, the retention flange 172 may be eccentrically formed relativeto the body portion 164 as can be most particularly seen in FIG. 7. Forexample, the retention flange 172 may be formed or positioned relativeto the body portion 164 such that it is not coaxially aligned therewith.In addition, in some embodiments, the eccentrically aligned retentionflange 172 may have at least one flattened area or surface 174 formedthereon. In at least one embodiment, flat surface 174 can comprise alocking feature or surface which can be used to affix fluid couplingmember 160 within connector 110, such as in a twist to lockconfiguration, for example, wherein, in certain circumstances, flatsurface 174 can facilitate the insertion of fluid coupling member 160into the connector 110 while not compromising the frictional fluid-tightseal established therewith. In various embodiments, a retention flange,similar to retention flange 172, for example, can include a firstflattened area or surface 174 on one side of the retention flange and asecond flattened area or surface 174 on the opposite side of theretention flange. In at least one such embodiment, the first and secondflattened areas or surfaces 174 can be parallel, or at leastsubstantially parallel, to one another. In certain embodiments, theretention feature 170 may have other suitable shapes as well as morethan one retention member may be employed without departing from thespirit and scope of the present invention. In at least one embodiment, afluid coupling member can comprise a body portion similar to bodyportion 164, for example, and a retention feature similar to retentionfeature 170 and flange 172, for example, wherein the retention flangecan be concentrically formed or positioned, or at least substantiallyconcentrically formed or positioned, relative to the body portion. In atleast one such embodiment, body portion 164 can comprise a circular, orat least substantially circular, profile or perimeter and, in addition,retention feature 170 can comprise a circular, or at least substantiallycircular, profile or perimeter, wherein, although not illustrated, thecircular profiles defined by body portion 164 and retention feature 170can be concentric, or at least substantially concentric. In some suchembodiments, the retention feature can also comprise a flat surface orportion similar to flat surface 174, for example, for facilitating atwist to lock connection between the fluid coupling member and aconnector, for example, and for facilitating the insertion of the fluidcoupling member into a bushing.

In various embodiments, the connector 110 may comprise a body portion112 that may be configured as shown in FIGS. 1 and 8-11. The bodyportion 112 may be fabricated from any suitable material, such asstainless steel 316, for example, and have a hose barb 114 or otherconnector formation integrally protruding therefrom for attachment to afluid conduit 116 in various known manners. The fluid conduit 116 maycomprise a flexible hose or tube and may also have a conventional hosefitting 41 attached thereto to facilitate coupling of the fluid conduit116 to the decontamination device as was discussed above. The connector110 may further include a rigid bushing seat 130 that has a body portion132 sized to be received in a cavity 118 provided in the body portion112 of the connector 110. The bushing seat 130 may have a flanged end132 and can be fabricated from any suitable material, such as Acetal,for example.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the body portion 112 may also be provided witha bushing cavity 120 therein for receiving a portion of a bushing 140therein. In particular, a substantially flexible bushing 140 may besupported within the bushing seat 130 and extend into a bushing cavity120 which is defined by a side wall 115 of the connector body 112. Invarious embodiments, the bushing 140 may be fabricated from a siliconematerial that permits the bushing 140 to flex around the retentionflange 172 and establish a substantially fluid-tight seal with theelongate fluid coupling member 160 as will be discussed in furtherdetail below. In at least one embodiment, the bushing 140 could befabricated from approximately 50 Durometer Shore A silicone, forexample.

In various embodiments, the bushing 140 may be provided with analignment passage 142 that serves to properly align the end 166 of theelongate coupling member 160 with coaxially aligned passage portions121, 123, 125 in the body portion 112 of the connector 110. See FIG. 10.Also in various embodiments, the bushing 140 may have a central passageportion 144 that is larger in diameter than the diameter of thealignment passage 142. For example, the alignment passage 142 may have adiameter “d1” of approximately 3.20 mm, for example, while the centralpassage portion 144 may have a diameter “d2” of approximately 4.50 mm,for example. To assist with the insertion of the end 166 of the elongatefluid coupling member 160 into the alignment passage 142 from thecentral passage portion 144, a tapered wall portion 146 may be providedbetween the passage portions 142, 144 as can be most particularly seenin FIG. 10. Similarly, to facilitate easy insertion of the end 166 ofthe elongate fluid coupling member 160 into the bushing 140, a taperedpassage portion 136 may be provided through the flanged end 132 of thebushing seat 130 and another tapered passage portion 148 may be providedin the bushing 140. As can also be seen in FIGS. 1, 8, 10 and 11, a sealfeature 150 may be provided on the bushing 140 to establish asubstantially fluid-tight seal between the bushing 140 and the bushingseat 130. In various embodiments, the seal feature 150 may comprise anannular ring 152 that protrudes outward from the perimeter 141 of thebushing 140. In various embodiments, the annular ring 152 may beintegrally formed in the perimeter of the bushing 140. In otherembodiments, however, the seal feature 150 could comprise an O-ring orO-rings on the bushing 140 and or seated in a portion or portions of thebushing seat 130, for example, without departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention.

Use of the bushing seat 130 may, among other things, facilitate ease ofmanufacture and installation of the bushing 140 in the connector 110.For example, the bushing 140 may be installed in the body portion 112 ofthe connector 110 prior to installing the bushing seat 130. Otherembodiments, however, may lack a bushing seat, such that the bushing issupported directly within the connector body and is configured toestablish a substantially fluid-tight seal therewith. In the depictedembodiment, the body portion 132 of the bushing seat 130 may be sizedrelative to the cavity 118 such that it may be retained therein by africtional fit. Thus, once the bushing 140 has been inserted into thebody portion 112, the bushing seat 130 may be pressed into the cavity118 of the body portion 112 to retain the bushing 140 therein. Sucharrangement also affords the user with the opportunity to replace thebushing 140 should it become inadvertently damaged or compromised.However the bushing seat 130 may be fastened to the body portion of theconnector 112 by other suitable fastener arrangements.

FIGS. 1 and 11 illustrate the insertion of the elongate fluid couplingmember 160 into the connector 110. As can be understood from referenceto FIGS. 1, 10, and 11, the elongate fluid coupling member 160 isinserted through the passage 136, 148, 144, 146, 142 in the bushing seat130 and bushing 140 respectively, and through passages 120, 125 suchthat passage 162 through the elongate fluid coupling member 160 isaligned with the passage 121 in the hose barb portion 114 of theconnector body 112, or any other suitable connector formation integrallyprotruding therefrom. As the elongate fluid coupling member 160 isinserted, the retention flange 172 causes the flexible bushing 140 toflex therearound to establish substantially fluid-tight contact aroundthe retention flange 172 as well as with other portions of the bodyportion 164 such that a substantially fluid-tight seal is establishedbetween the elongate fluid coupling member 160 and the bushing 140. Sucharrangement also forms a frictional engagement between the elongatefluid coupling member 160 and the bushing 140 to retain the elongatefluid coupling 160 in coupled engagement therewith during normal use,yet permit easy detachment by grasping the connector body 112 andpulling it off of the elongate fluid coupling member 160. In addition,as can be most particularly seen in FIG. 11, when the elongate fluidcoupling member 160 is seated within the bushing 140, the sealing ring152 establishes a substantially fluid-tight seal with the bushing seat130.

As can be further seen in FIG. 11, when the fluid coupling 160 is seatedwithin the bushing 140 in this embodiment, the retention flange 172 islocated a first distance “FD” from the end wall 113 of connector 112 andthe seal ring 152 is located a second distance “SD” from the end 113.Also, bushing 140 may have a diameter “D” that is less than the diameter“D′” of passage 149 in bushing seat 130 and the bushing cavity 120 inthe body portion 112. For example, the diameter “D” may be approximately7.94 mm, for example, and the diameter “D′” may be approximately 8.75mm, for example. See FIG. 10. Such arrangement may afford the bushing140 with room to initially flex and expand as the elongate fluidcoupling member 160 is inserted therein. In addition, by locating theseal ring 152 such that distance “FD” is less than “SD”, the amount ofstress placed on the seal ring 152 during insertion to the elongatefluid coupler 160 into the bushing 140 is reduced thereby increasing thelife of the bushing 140 as well as reducing the amount of insertionforce required to inserted the elongate fluid coupling member 160 intothe bushing 140. However, in other embodiments, the seal ring 152 may belocated such that “FD” is greater than “SD” as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13.

As can be seen in FIGS. 12 and 13, the bushing 140′ is substantiallysimilar to bushing 140 as described above, except for, among otherthings, the location of the sealing ring 152′ and that the bushing 140may be somewhat shorter than bushing 140′.

Thus, such arrangements have the advantage of being able to quicklycouple adjacent ports on a medical instrument, such as an endoscope to asupply of fluid, such as a reprocessing unit without the use of toolsand involved alignment procedures. Furthermore, although the embodimentsdisclosed herein have been described in connection with an endoscope,other embodiments are envisioned in connection with any suitable medicaldevice.

Any patent, publication, application or other disclosure material, inwhole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein isincorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materialsdo not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or otherdisclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to theextent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth hereinsupersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference.Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated byreference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions,statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only beincorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between thatincorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

The invention which is intended to be protected is not to be construedas limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. The embodiments aretherefore to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.Variations and changes may be made by others without departing from thespirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intendedthat all such equivalents, variations and changes which fall within thespirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims beembraced thereby. While this invention has been described as havingexemplary designs, the present invention may be further modified withinthe spirit and scope of the disclosure. This application is thereforeintended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the inventionusing its general principles. Further, this application is intended tocover such departures from the present disclosure as come within knownor customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.

What is claimed is:
 1. A connector assembly comprising: a connector; anelongate fluid coupling member, wherein said elongate fluid couplingmember defines a longitudinal axis, wherein said elongate fluid couplingmember comprises a substantially tubular portion extending along saidlongitudinal axis, and wherein an eccentric attachment feature is formedon said substantially tubular portion extending outward from saidlongitudinal axis, said connector comprising: a connector body having anend wall and a bushing-receiving cavity therein, said end wall having acoupling opening therethrough sized to enable said substantially tubularportion to protrude therethrough; and a flexible bushing received withinsaid bushing-receiving cavity and having a passage therethrough toenable said substantially tubular portion and said eccentric attachmentfeature to be inserted within a proximal end of said passage, saidflexible bushing sized relative to said bushing-receiving cavity topermit said bushing to flex therein about said eccentric attachmentfeature and said substantially tubular portion when said substantiallytubular portion and said eccentric attachment feature are inserted intosaid proximal end of said passage in said flexible bushing, wherein saidflexible bushing comprises a coupling member engagement surfaceconfigured to engage said elongate fluid coupling member and a bushingseat engagement surface comprising at least one seal feature protrudingfrom said bushing seat engagement surface to establish a substantiallyfluid-tight seal between said bushing and a bushing seat, wherein saidcoupling member engagement surface comprises a proximal portion having afirst diameter, wherein said coupling member engagement surfacecomprises an intermediate portion having a second diameter, wherein saidcoupling member engagement surface comprises a distal portion having athird diameter, wherein said first diameter is larger than said seconddiameter, wherein said second diameter is larger than said thirddiameter, and wherein said second portion of said coupling memberengagement surface is configured to removably retain said substantiallytubular portion and said eccentric attachment feature to establish asubstantially fluid-tight seal between said connector and said elongatefluid coupling member.
 2. The connector assembly of claim 1, whereinsaid at least one seal feature comprises at least one annular seal ringintegrally formed in said bushing and protruding around a portion of aperimeter of said bushing.
 3. The connector assembly of claim 1, whereinwhen said portion of said elongate fluid coupling member is seatedwithin said bushing, said eccentric attachment feature is located afirst distance from said end wall of said connector body and whereinsaid at least one seal feature on said bushing is located a seconddistance from said end wall of said connector body that is greater thansaid first distance.
 4. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein saidflexible bushing is fabricated from approximately 50 Durometer Shore Asilicone.
 5. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein said passagethrough said bushing has a tapered insertion portion.
 6. A couplingarrangement for conveying a fluid through a medical device, saidcoupling arrangement comprising: a substantially tubular elongate fluidcoupling member in fluid communication with a channel extending throughthe medical device, said substantially tubular elongate fluid couplingmember defining a longitudinal axis, said substantially tubular elongatefluid coupling member having at least one eccentric retention featureprotruding therefrom; a fluid conduit having a supply end operablycommunicating with a source of fluid and a discharge end; a connectorbody attached to said discharge end of said fluid conduit, saidconnector body comprising: an end wall; a side wall protruding from saidend wall and defining a cavity extending through said connector body;and a coupling opening through said end wall such that at least aportion of said substantially tubular elongate fluid coupling memberhaving said eccentric retention feature thereon may pass therethrough; abushing received within said cavity and having a passage therethroughsized to receive a portion of said substantially tubular elongate fluidcoupling member and said at least one eccentric retention featuretherein, said bushing having a length, wherein said bushing comprises acoupling member engagement surface configured to engage saidsubstantially tubular elongate fluid coupling member and a bushing seatengagement surface, such that said substantially tubular elongate fluidcoupling member and said at least one eccentric retention feature areremovably retained within said bushing and a first substantiallyfluid-tight seal is established therebetween, wherein said couplingmember engagement surface comprises a proximal portion having a firstdiameter, wherein said coupling member engagement surface comprises anintermediate portion having a second diameter, wherein said couplingmember engagement surface comprises a distal portion having a thirddiameter, wherein said first diameter is larger than said seconddiameter, and wherein said second diameter is larger than said thirddiameter; a bushing seat sized to receive said bushing therein; and atleast one seal feature extending from said bushing seat engagementsurface for establishing a second substantially fluid-tight seal betweensaid bushing seat and said bushing.
 7. The coupling arrangement of claim6, wherein said at least one seal feature comprises an annular seal ringintegrally formed around a portion of a perimeter of said bushing. 8.The coupling arrangement of claim 6, wherein when said portion of saidsubstantially tubular elongate fluid coupling member is seated withinsaid bushing, said eccentric retention feature is located a firstdistance from said end wall of said connector body and wherein said sealfeature on said bushing is located a second distance from said end wallof said connector body that is greater than said first distance.
 9. Thecoupling arrangement of claim 6, wherein a portion of said bushingextending between said seal feature and said end wall of said connectorbody is sized relative to said cavity so as to permit said portion ofsaid bushing to flex relative to said connector body during insertion ofsaid substantially tubular elongate fluid coupling member and said atleast one eccentric retention feature into said passage withoutcompromising said second substantially fluid-tight seal formed betweensaid seal feature and said connector body.
 10. The coupling arrangementof claim 6, wherein said bushing is fabricated from approximately 50Durometer Shore A silicone.
 11. The coupling arrangement of claim 6,wherein said substantially tubular elongate fluid coupling membercomprises: a cylindrical body portion having a substantially circularcross-sectional shape and a fluid passage extending therethrough andsaid eccentric retention feature comprises a flange that protrudeseccentrically from said cylindrical body portion; and a tapereddischarge end protruding from said cylindrical body portion.
 12. Acoupling arrangement for conveying a fluid through a medical device,said coupling arrangement comprising: an elongate fluid coupling memberin fluid communication with a channel extending through the medicaldevice, said elongate fluid coupling member comprises a cylindrical bodyportion extending along a longitudinal axis and an eccentric retentionflange formed thereon, said eccentric retention flange extending outwardfrom said longitudinal axis; a fluid conduit comprising a supply endoperably communicating with a source of fluid and a discharge end; aconnector body attached to said discharge end of said fluid conduit; abushing seat seated within said connector body, said bushing seatcomprising a body portion and a flanged end, said body portion of saidbushing seat comprising a bushing-receiving passage therethrough; aflexible bushing having a length, said flexible bushing received withina cavity extending through said elongate fluid coupling member and saidbushing-receiving passage in said bushing seat, said bushing comprisinga passage therethrough sized to receive said cylindrical body portion ofsaid elongate fluid coupling member therein such that said cylindricalbody portion of said elongate fluid coupling member comprising saideccentric retention flange is removably retained within said bushing anda first substantially fluid-tight seal is established therebetween,wherein said bushing comprises a coupling member engagement surfaceconfigured to engage said substantially tubular elongate fluid couplingmember and a bushing seat engagement surface, wherein said couplingmember engagement surface comprises a proximal portion having a firstdiameter, wherein said coupling member engagement surface comprises anintermediate portion having a second diameter, wherein said couplingmember engagement surface comprises a distal portion having a thirddiameter, wherein said first diameter is larger than said seconddiameter, and wherein said second diameter is larger than said thirddiameter; and a seal for establishing a second substantially fluid-tightseal between said bushing seat and said bushing, wherein said sealextends from said bushing seat engagement surface.